BEML, CVRDE joint tech centre to speed up defence R&D

Chennai: In a bid to speed up research and development and industry collaboration on defence projects Government-owned BEML Ltd and the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a defence research unit, have jointly set up a technology centre inside the latter's campus at Avadi, Chennai.

The newly named BEML Technology Centre was inaugurated by Dr VK Saraswat, scientific advisor to the defence minister and secretary, defence R&D. Interacting with the media he said the centre would synergise the capabilities of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEML in various projects.

Some of the projects that were jointly developed and delivered together include the launch and recovery system for the Underwater Autonomous Vehicle, and testing of torque convertor and quality assurance and quality control for the Arjun Main Battle Tank.

Dr Saraswat said the BEML has extended its support to the CVRDE to develop the Arjun tank's sub-systems, documentation, and development of Bhim tanks.

It will also extend its coordination for projects taken by the CVRDE such as the landing gear project.

According to VRS Natarajan, chairman and managing director, BEML, the company would depute engineers to the centre to work on various projects. The joint initiative, he said, would help DRDO design and develop defence projects in a short span of time.